Blog – Page 2

Artist update:

So I’ve taken some time away from drawing just to regroup, reenergize and to be free of the migraine that plagued me. I literally can’t work when I have a migraine, my brain just completely shuts down, my creativity goes right out the window and exhausts me. So back in action now….

I’ve also found some images from way back when … these images are special because they showed growth from one point to the other. I have decided to revisit some of them. Normally I wouldn’t but this time I want to see how far I can go this time.

Now when you ask, soon may not be now but soon.

Photography – I admit it I miss photography, it’s still hard picking up the camera. When I do it’s very limited. Hopefully next week I will be able to do something. I am in middle of plans right now. Not saying much but when something comes I’ll be happy. Looking towards next week; yes I know next week is a big week… one I don’t want to face but I think what I am planing will be good for me.

So for right now just situating myself. Figure what days are best, what drawing to work on next and seeing what my time allows.

Updates to my website will come just a matter of having a full day where I can plug away on it. So frustrating that I can’t get this lifted off the ground! Seriously limited with knowledge but hopefully I can plug on it very soon!!

In the mean time open to ideas for drawing and photography! I may utilize and I may not just want some creativity flow!

I gathered enough items to sit down recently and start working on watercolors. I purchased Strathmore Paper, along with Watercolors from Winsor and Newton. I never really understood watercolors until I sat down and actually applied time to a few projects.

The watercolors are pretty interesting as you start working with them. What I liked to do is work on scarp paper to see how thin (how much water vs watercolor ) the watercolor is or how rich in color it is. I have my favorite colors of course so I tend to make more of those watercolors when I have everything situated.

Below are a few images that I came up with.

My palette for the projects I actually worked on – you see the colors I was starting out with.

Next up a few projects:

My first landscape, was playing around with the flow of the sky. Actually this isn’t of anywhere really, just in my head. I have to realize that with everything I do in watercolor doesn’t have to be a real place. I like real places… but this one watercolor can out pretty good I think.

Here is a piece I was try out with the different colors, seeing how the colors actually mixed on their own. I called this one, “Tulips”… that’s what this reminds me of.

My last piece turn out to be a flower, I’m thinking a rose more or less. This was interesting due to watching other instagram videos and seeing how they create flowers. I’m still working on this, I like how I created this piece and you might see more in the future.

Each piece has been dried under a fan (you can use a blow drier). Colors sometimes loose their richness once they are wet, but when dried they are a whole different level I feel. Sounds like I know what I’m talking about right, I find it interesting seeing the difference once wet and dry. I know the little things, right?

Where do you find your supplies? I find them anywhere that sells art supplies, best place if you are like me and like to touch things is at your local art supple store or online. I like having choices so I either go to AcMoore or Michaels. But to get really good supplies for paints I head online and research my best options , Blick Art or Jerry’s Artarama. I do like saving money so I grab what ever coupons are current and head to my local stores or online, just all depends on my time and if I want it now or I can wait… LOL

Supplies – depending what you can afford, I’m currently on a budget so I have to be creative as to what I want to get and what I want to use, that’s why I say coupon shop and see what you can save, it’s worth it in the end. I love Strathmore paper, I haven’t had any issues with their paper, if you keep an eye on their grade of paper you should use the best line of their paper. That’s my humble opinion, but hey use what you can afford, or what you prefer. I’m not being paid by Strathmore Paper to put their name out there, I just happen to like their paper products. I’m always looking to use new items.
Watercolors – Funny thing is Michaels current offers a deal (well I think it’s a deal) on their brand of water colors, $5.00 plus tax depending what state you live in. Now these watercolors aren’t that bad, but I like the ones I mention at the top, the Winsor and Newton watercolors. I also have two other brand that I got when I got my first subscription at Sketchbox (http://www.sketchbox.com). Those two brands are: Daniel Smith Extra Fine Watercolors and Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolours Tube.

Dry and Wet – Dry lines are rich in color while wet lines are softer. Amazing what you can do with this kind of flexibility. That’s partly why I do like watercolors. So play around, see how strong and rich your color can and or how soft the color can be. Look online for tutorials about this. Helpful for me to read over, new tools to work with, new techniques to work in.

My suggestions: first off… You don’t have to listen to anything I’ve said… however here is my take on watercolors…..

Take your time, try out the colors and see where you go. Then start working on a project. Have a blow drier on hand because if you are like me and have a cat who likes to jump on you and whatever you are working on; you don’t have to worry too much over your work having extra stuff like a paw print. Yup – happen to me and worse part my cat had paw prints all over a white table cloth. Her paw color was green! One thing that’s good to know, some soap and water got the paint right up not sure if it’s because of the was paint fresh and not dried.

Brushes – keep you brushes neat and within reach. Have two glasses of water, one to clean brushes and the other to add to the watercolors (a side note, if you allow your paints to dry on your palette if you add a few drops of water again you should be good. All about trial and error; I actually left my paints so the air can get to them and dried them out. I add a few drops of water and they came back to life). Also another great little tool that I didn’t expect to help is an eye dropper and lastly a rag to wipe off excess water or paint, for me mostly water.

Before I go any farther I did read in my research that if you use pencil use it lightly otherwise you can not erase it once watercolor has been put on the paper. Personally I think graphite would add a little character to the piece. But some may not think that way… and that’s cool. Do you, not me… do what you feel is comfortable; what you can afford and your own techniques.

My last thoughts on Watercolors, I would like to be able to do is different techniques besides watching other artist on instagram creating beautiful pieces. That’s my next part… coming soon.

I hope you have enjoyed my little rambling about my first experience with watercolors. Any questions, comments or concerns please either post below or email me through my contact page. Hope in some way this had helped. If you have any feedback or techniques you would like for me to try, please let me know.

That’s it for now…. thanks for reading!

Susan

Artist Update

Gallery Updates…

Services Updated

Watercolor Part 2

Gallery Update – Illustrations